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BY JENEE DAY
For many of us, the arrival of a New Year brings the
promise of new beginnings. January represents a
fresh start, a clean slate, and the chance to seek
out new opportunities. For others, the New Year
can usher in a time of stress and uncertainty. Even
for people who don’t normally suffer from anxiety,
staring down the prospect of twelve months of
reaching new heights - personally and professionally
- can be daunting. A few common issues people may
experience in January include:
POST-HOLIDAY BLUES
These days the build-up to Christmas starts early,
with holiday sales beginning the day after Halloween
and radio stations blasting festive tunes long before
we’ve cut the Thanksgiving turkey. We fret over
what gifts to buy for whom and wearing the perfect
outfit, but the day passes quickly, and once it’s over
we are left with a sense that there’s nothing else to
look forward to. Post-holiday blues are a very real
phenomenon but can be overcome by taking some
practical steps.
Practice gratitude. Before going over a list of new
things you want to have or happen in your life, be
sure to look around and take inventory of everything
you already have. Be thankful for the people, the
pets, the home and the blessings that are already a
part of your existence.
Take fewer pictures. Studies have shown that
people who spend their time taking photographs
of memorable moments are less likely to form
memories of those moments. Put the smart phone
down and practice being in the moment and making
memories with your kids.
Set something else to look forward to. Now that
the holidays are over, it may feel that the good times
have passed, but this is just a matter of perspective.
Look for activities to do with the family or in the
community and sign up for them. That way you can
be assured that the warm, fuzzy feelings the holidays
bring will last throughout the year.
RESOLUTION ANXIETY
Dreading the thought of making a lofty “to-do” list
for the year? For many of us, resolutions feel more
like punishment for holiday reverie than inspiration
for living our best life. This year, why not skip the
resolutions and try a less stressful option?
Try goal setting. If making resolutions feels like too
much pressure, try setting attainable goals instead.
Losing 75 pounds might seem like an impossible feat
but aiming to lose 15 is more realistic. As each goal
is reached, set a new one, and you will gain a new
sense of confidence.
Make a review of last year, and use it to
develop a New Year Prospectus. Writing out all
the achievements and goals achieved in the last year
is empowering, and it also helps to set the course for
the year to come.
Go easy on yourself. Life can be hard. Sometimes
it’s enough to know that you are giving your best
effort. Remember to celebrate the fact that you are
working on yourself and moving forward.
STRUGGLING WITH ROUTINE
The kids have been out of school for weeks, and the
pantry is full of junk food. It’s time to get back into a
regular healthy routine, but how do we start?
Make lists. This is one of the simplest ways to
stay focused and organized. Grocery lists, chore
reminders for the kids and lists of extracurricular
activities are helpful.
Set alarms. If you find it difficult to be on time, try
setting alarms for the larger tasks or appointments
throughout the day.
Connect with an accountability partner. Most
of us are much less likely to stand someone up at the
gym, even on mornings we’d rather sleep in.
Jenee Day is a mom of 3 and an author. Her
book, Fear Itself: How Battling Anxiety
Brought Me Inner Peace, is available now on
Amazon.com.
HOO’s learning
th i l f N
/Amazon.com